Misfit pulls out

Talking to The Indian Express from Ansari’s residence, a close relative claimed that the main reason for his decision was the failure of the party cadre to support him. She alleged that Ansari had been fielded only as a token symbol, without any backing. In this scenario, it was impossible to expect support from the Muslim community too, she added.

Burhanpur corporator Nafeez Mansha, contesting the polls as an Independent, said: ‘‘I have close family ties with Moin Ansari. After he obtained the ticket, he went to meet Swami Umesh Mani, a former MLA and BJP leader, to seek his support. He was told that his ticket had not been granted at the behest of the local cadre and so they would not be canvassing for him.’’

‘‘Majboor the ticket chhodne pe, samaj ki gaali bhi khai aur support bhi na mile to kaise ladenge (He was forced into renouncing his ticket. He was being abused by his own community and was not getting the support of the BJP cadre, how could he contest),’’ said Mansha. ‘‘He had not demanded the ticket. The party leadership had given it to him. He was called to Bhopal after he refused to contest and was even told that all campaign expenses would be taken care of. The BJP tried to find other Muslim candidates, including the son of Arif Beg and a local corporator. But they were unsuccessful,’’ added Mansha.

Events in Bhopal confirm Mansha’s statements. On November 11, when reports first surfaced of Ansari’s withdrawal, Solanki had stated that Ansari had travelled to Bhopal and met him that very morning. ‘‘I have assured him of our support. I have spoken to our local unit and told them that he is after all our only Muslim candidate and we cannot let this happen,’’ he had said.

The same day, when asked about Ansari’s withdrawal, Uma Bharti stated that she would speak to him directly and ensure that he stayed in the fray. Apparently, when Ansari reached Burhanpur, he found that local conditions had not changed.